Montgomery Travel Guide

Discover the rich culture and natural attractions of Montgomery, Alabama through this comprehensive travel guide. Find recommended places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, local customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby excursions.


Introduction to Montgomery

Welcome to Montgomery, the capital city of Alabama and a hub of cultural and historical significance. Nestled in the River Heritage region, Montgomery is a fascinating destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. From museums to outdoor adventures, Montgomery offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay. This guide will help you navigate the city, find the best places to visit, the top hiking and biking routes, the local culture and customs, food and drink scene, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby excursions.

List of Places to Visit in Montgomery

Montgomery has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature. Here are some must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Rosa Parks Museum - This museum pays homage to the civil rights pioneer who refused to give up her seat on the bus.
  • The National Memorial for Peace and Justice - This solemn site remembers the victims of lynching in America’s history.
  • The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church - The Church is the site where Martin Luther King Jr. first began his work as a civil rights leader.
  • The Alabama State Capitol - The Capitol building is home to the state government and is a significant landmark in Montgomery’s history.

Natural Attractions of Montgomery: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum - This zoo features over 500 animals and a wildlife museum.
  • Blount Cultural Park - This is a scenic destination features walking and jogging paths, picnic spots, and a Shakespeare garden.
  • The Riverwalk - The Riverwalk is a three-mile trail that runs parallel to the Alabama River, providing beautiful views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Montgomery

Montgomery offers plenty of outdoor opportunities, including hiking, biking, and bird watching, along with scenic river views. Here are the top hiking and biking routes:

  • Swayback Bridge Trail - This is a beautiful 10-mile trail that is part of the Alabama Trail System. This trail features scenic views of the Coosa River and showcases the natural beauty of the region.
  • Lagoon Park Trail - This is a 4.1-mile trail loop through Lagoon Park in Montgomery. The trail is well-shaded with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
  • Alabama River Trail - This is a 22-mile trail that follows the Alabama River and showcases the region’s natural beauty.

Best Things to Do in Montgomery: Activities and Tours

Montgomery has plenty of guided tours and activities that are worth checking out. Some of the best ones include:

  • Ghost Tours - Take a ghost tour through the city’s haunted hotspots to learn about Montgomery’s spooky past.
  • Civil Rights Tours - Explore the city’s role in the civil rights movement by taking a guided tour to see the places where major events happened.
  • Kayak Rentals - Rent a kayak and paddle your way down the Alabama River for a scenic and peaceful day out.

Week-Long Itinerary for Montgomery

If you’re planning on staying in Montgomery for a week, you won’t be disappointed. Here’s a seven-day itinerary to help plan your stay:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Rosa Parks Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice
2 Explore the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum
3 Hike the Swayback Bridge Trail
4 Visit the Alabama State Capitol and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
5 Go kayaking on the Alabama River
6 Explore the Blount Cultural Park and the Shakespeare garden
7 Take a ghost tour of the city’s haunted hotspots

Food and Drink Scene of Montgomery

No trip is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages to enjoy while in Montgomery:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried catfish and hushpuppies - This classic Southern dish is a must-try while in Montgomery.
  • Hot chicken - Served on white bread with pickles and a side of fries, hot chicken is a unique Southern delicacy.
  • Fried green tomatoes - Made with crispy cornmeal batter and served with Alabama white BBQ sauce, fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic.

Local Beverages

  • Conecuh Ridge Whiskey - This locally distilled whiskey is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
  • Sweet tea and lemonade - A sweet tea and lemonade combo is a Southern classic, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than Montgomery.

Where to Stay in Montgomery: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Montgomery has plenty of lodging options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best options to consider:

  • Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Montgomery - A centrally located hotel that is perfect for exploring the city.
  • Red Bluff Cottage Bed & Breakfast - This cozy B&B is perfect for those looking for a more intimate setting.
  • Wind Creek Montgomery - A luxury casino hotel that features all the amenities.

What to Buy in Montgomery: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are plenty of local products to take home from Montgomery, including:

  • Southern-style barbecue sauce - A must-try while in Montgomery.
  • Alabama-made cheeses - A great gift for cheese lovers.
  • Alabama-made pottery - A beautiful souvenir to add to your collection.

Local Culture and Customs of Montgomery

Montgomery is steeped in Southern culture, and there are a few customs to keep in mind while visiting. Here are some important ones to note:

  • Respect for elders - Southern culture places a strong emphasis on respecting one’s elders.
  • Manners - Saying “please” and “thank you” goes a long way in Montgomery, and polite behavior is appreciated.
  • Football fandom - Football reigns supreme in Montgomery, and it’s worth cheering on the local college team.

Best Time to Visit Montgomery

The best time to visit Montgomery is from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner.

Do’s and Don’ts of Montgomery

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Montgomery:

Do:

  • Learn about Southern culture - There’s plenty to learn about the rich culture and history of the South.
  • Try the local cuisine - Montgomery has plenty of delicious Southern cuisine to try.
  • Experience the outdoors - Make the most of the natural attractions by exploring the hiking and biking trails.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local customs and culture - Practice good manners and respect the locals.
  • Overlook Montgomery’s history - Montgomery played a significant role in the civil rights movement, and it’s essential to learn about it.

Safety and Health

While Montgomery is generally a safe city to visit, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Safety in Montgomery

  • Avoid walking alone at night - It’s always best to travel in a group or use transportation at night.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings - Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

Health in Montgomery

  • Stay hydrated - Montgomery can get hot and humid, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Use sunscreen - Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while enjoying the outdoors.

Getting to Montgomery: Transportation Options and Logistics

Montgomery is easily accessible, with several transportation options available. Here are some ways to get there:

Airports Near Montgomery

  • Montgomery Regional Airport - The city’s only airport offers flights from several major airlines.

Bus Stations Near Montgomery

  • Greyhound Bus Station - This bus station is located in the city’s downtown area and offers several routes to and from Montgomery.
  • Megabus Station in Mobile - This station is located about two hours away from Montgomery and offers Megabus routes throughout the Southeast.

Other Options

  • Car rentals - Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the city and neighboring areas.

How to Get Around in Montgomery

Montgomery is a great city to walk around, and many attractions are within walking distance of one another. If you’re looking for other transportation options, here are some of the best:

  • Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) - The city’s public transit system offers buses, trolleys, and paratransit services.
  • Rideshare services - Both Uber and Lyft operate in Montgomery.
  • Bike rentals - Renting a bike is a fun way to explore the city’s trails and attractions.

Where to Go Next from Montgomery: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some time to spare after your Montgomery visit, here are some nearby destinations to explore:

  • Birmingham - Alabama’s largest city is just over an hour away from Montgomery and features plenty of museums, parks, and outdoor attractions.
  • Tuskegee National Forest - This beautiful forest is about an hour away from Montgomery and offers some of the best hiking trails in the state.
  • Mobile - This coastal city is two hours away from Montgomery and features historical sites, museums, and beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

Montgomery is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience Southern culture, history, and natural beauty. From museums to hiking trails, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating city. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your visit and make the most of your time in Montgomery.

Stained glass under the rotunda of the Alabama State Capitol Stained glass under the rotunda of the Alabama State Capitol A west view of Troy University buildings including Davis Theatre A west view of Troy University buildings including Davis Theatre A west view of the First Baptist Church, located at S Perry St A west view of the First Baptist Church, located at S Perry St